Renewable resources of energy in northern Baja California, Mexico

Abstract

In Mexico, the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) is a government entity created to generate and distribute energy in Mexico. CFE is operating a 720 MW capacity geothermal power plant at Cerro Prieto, located in the valley of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. Wind energy in Baja California is not now being exploited. It is potentially productive in some areas of the Rumorosa mountain range and at the Cañon de San Martin in the Valle de la Trinidad. Wind pattern measurements have been carried out and investors' interest is growing for wind farms of different sizes (1500 MW, 250 MW, 50 MW). Solar radiation in Baja California is quite significant. Solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity is widely used for lighting, communications, and appliances throughout the state of Baja California in rural areas and small towns not connected to an electric grid. In order to exploit the full potential of renewable energy resources in this border region with California, EUA, a series of barriers and drivers are addressed. While significant technical potential for renewable energy exists in Baja California, additional study is required to fully characterize the resources and refine estimates.